Robert D. Christman

Robert D. Christman, 96, of Bucyrus, died Friday, May 17, 2013 at Heartland of Bucyrus.

He was born March 16, 1917 in Monroe County, Ohio to the late Lewis and Anna (Claus) Christman. Robert attended Clegg School in Monroe County and in 1941 he was drafted into the US Army. Robert was stationed overseas for a year and a half and served under the leadership of General Patton. He drove tank in Normandy, Southern France, Rhineland, and Central Europe including the Battle of Bulge. His medals include, Good Conduct, Distinguished Unit Badge, American Defuse Service, and European African Middle Eastern Service Medal in addition to five Bronze Stars. Robert was honorably discharged in 1945 and moved to Bucyrus in 1946. On September 2, 1950 he married Hazel M. Hines and she survives following 62 years of marriage.

Robert believed in hard work and doing things right the first time. He spent many hours of each day farming the land as well as tending to livestock. He enjoyed holidays with family and also loved the Sunday lunches spent with them at McDonalds. Robert and Hazel enjoyed playing in their UNO Club as well as Euchre and doing word searches. He had an opinion and he would occasionally share it with others in the form of "I'm not trying to tell you what to do, but if it were me...." Robert did enjoy helping others though and was a caring man.

He was a member of Bucyrus United Methodist Church and in September 2012, he had the heartwarming experience of being chosen as an Honor Flight recipient. He was proud to have served his country and was very thankful for the trip.

In addition to Hazel, Robert is survived by two children, Wesley L. (Tammy) Christman and Karen A. Christman; two grandchildren, Samantha (Kent) Williamson and Zachary (Kim) Christman and one great grandchild, Gabriel Christman all of Bucyrus. Robert is also survived by one brother, Edward Christman of Bolivar, Ohio; two sisters-in-law, Grace Christman of Bucyrus and Rilla Christman of Caledonia and numerous nieces nephews and cousins.

He is preceded in death by five brothers, Ernest, Lawrence, Thurman, Delmer and Wilbur Christman and two sisters, Louise Bower and Celesta Welty.

Friends may call from 2-6 p.m. Sunday, May 19 at Wise Funeral Service where Robert's funeral will be held beginning at 11:00 a.m. Monday with Pastor Don Kraps and Pastor Ray LaSalle officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery with full military rites being provided by both the US Army and American Legion, Post 181 Honor Guards.

Contributions may be given to Honor Flight or Bucyrus UMC through the funeral home.



Visitation:

Sunday, May 19, 2013 2-6 p.m.

Wise Funeral Service, 129 W. Warren St., Bucyrus, Ohio 44820



Service:

Monday, May 20, 2013 11:00 a.m.

Wise Funeral Service, 129 W. Warren St., Bucyrus, Ohio 44820



Cemetery:

Oakwood Cemetery, 835 Kaler Ave., Bucyrus, Ohio 44820